News across Greater Grand Rapids, MN

She can communicate with ghosts. Here's what she learns from the 'Sad Dead'
My Sad Dead is about an Argentinian doctor who can speak with ghosts. The Spanish-language miniseries blends creepiness, melancholy, sarcastic humor and political anger unlike anything else on TV.

Sheryl Crow says she's found 'great liberation' in not chasing the next hit
After selling tens of millions of records worldwide, the singer-songwriter says she's finally aged out of pop music — and she's OK with that. Crow's latest album is Pick You Up.

Greetings from Syria, where time seems to melt as a glassmaker braves scorching temps
As a Syrian glassmaker created his wares in Damascus, watching his craft reminded this reporter to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Germany's political center fights for relevance after far-right and far-left gains
Centrist politicians are soul-searching after electoral gains by the far right and the far left. Today's weak coalitions, political fragmentation and dire economy echo a past that led to the rise of fascism.

Pro-Trump Influencer Benny Johnson is being sued for defamation by ICE protesters
The lawsuit says the prominent conservative podcaster falsely claimed the protesters were assaulting ICE officers during demonstrations at an ICE facility in Illinois last year.
October 1 ushered in a new era in U.S. foreign aid. What's the plan? Will it work?
The America First strategy asks for a Memorandum of Understanding as a condition for healthcare and development aid. It's been praised for promoting self-reliance but criticized for its conditions.

Cloaked in anonymity, Israeli soldiers describe mass civilian killings in 'NAZA'
NAZA is an acronym for nezek agavi, Hebrew for "collateral damage." It refers to the number of civilian casualties the Israeli military deems acceptable. The documentary is made by Israeli filmmakers.

The U.S. added only 29,000 jobs in September as job market lacks spark
U.S. employers added 29,000 jobs in September as the unemployment rate inched up to 4.2%. Job gains for July and August were revised down by a total of 60,000 jobs, extending a lackluster run for the job market.

San Francisco's car crime has plunged. How much credit does Flock deserve?
San Francisco leaders say AI-powered cameras helped drive a dramatic decline in car crime. We examine the evidence — and whether the city can keep its high-tech dragnet without sacrificing civil liberties.

Failed 'torturous' execution attempt on Christa Pike reignites death penalty debate
The botched execution in Tennessee of Christa Pike, who survived despite being subject to two doses of lethal injection on Wednesday, has reignited furious debate about the death penalty in the U.S.

Discursive Verses: when pulling rank goes wrong
NPR Music culture critic and reporter Rodney Carmichael ruminates on the latest in rap culture. This week: a hip-hop divorce, an OutKast lawsuit and the state of rap music on the charts.

Who uttered the phrase 'the ideological clowns are out' this week? The quiz knows
Plus, how well do you know your pandas and fat bears?